For LSU, it's another chance to flex in the national spotlight, move into the top five of the AP poll and get back in that conversation with Alabama.

Let's go inside the numbers to see who has an advantage:

Series

This rivalry dates back to 1901, and LSU holds a 26-20-1 advantage. The teams didn't start playing every year until 1992 when the SEC split into two divisions, and LSU has an 11-10 advantage since.

Marquee matchups

The last 10 years have brought out the best in LSU-Auburn. Since 2003, both teams were ranked in eight contests. Auburn and LSU have combined to win six SEC West division titles, five SEC championships and three national championships in that stretch.

Signature win: LSU 7, No. 4 Auburn 6 (1988)

Nothing tops the "Earthquake Game." LSU faced a fourth-and-10 with 1:47 remaining. Quarterback Tommy Hodson hit Eddie Fuller for a go-ahead touchdown, and the crowd reaction was so intense it registered as an earthquake on a seismograph located near Tiger Stadium.
Runner Up: No. 5 LSU 30, No. 18 Auburn 24 (2007)

Gus Malzahn vs. LSU

This marks Gus Malzahn's first go-around against LSU as a head coach, but he's faced the Tigers four times as an offensive coordinator. Malzahn's offenses at Arkansas and Auburn averaged 17.5 points per game and went 1-3 against LSU in those games. Auburn will need more points than that.

Les Miles at Tiger Stadium

The last two teams to beat LSU at home were ranked No. 1 in the country. The Tigers are 39-2 at home against unranked teams under Les Miles, the last loss coming in 2008 against Ole Miss.

Key matchup: Nick Marshall vs. Craig Loston

Nick Marshall has played well in three starts, but this isn't your run-of-the-mill road start. LSU safety Craig Loston is a playmaker in the mold of Eric Reid who hovers around the line of scrimmage. Watch this matchup closely on third down, where Marshall is 13-of-22 for 216 yards and no interceptions this season.

Key matchup: Zach Mettenberger vs. Ellis Johnson

Zach Mettenberger struggled in a 12-10 win against Auburn in 2012. He completed just 15-of-27 passes for 169 yards. Mettenberger is off to a fantastic start with 9 TDs and no interceptions, and he's taken just two sacks. How will Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson counter?

On the spot: Auburn defensive ends

Auburn has tallied 22 tackles for loss but just four sacks through three games. Defensive ends Dee Ford, LaDarius Owens, Craig Sanders and others in the rotation have to contain against a physical LSU rushing attack that averages 4.9 yards per carry on first down. Can Auburn get LSU off schedule?

On the spot: LSU defensive tackles

As usual, LSU features a pair of mammoth future NFL defensive tackles in Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson. They have combined for 25 tackles and five tackles for loss, but they'll be tested on draw plays to Auburn running backs Corey Grant (9.6 yards per attempt) and Tre Mason (5.6).

Stat that matters: Rushing yards

The early returns on Malzahn are favorable. Auburn averages 238.7 rushing yards per game, which is more than LSU (218.7). Auburn rushed for 440 yards in that signature win against LSU in 2010. In the last two meetings, however, Auburn has had 87 and 86 yards, respectively. Without a ground game, Auburn has no chance to pull the upset.

Stat that matters: Yards per reception

LSU's top two receivers -- Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry -- combine to average an incredible 18.0 yards per reception with nine TDs through three games. Seven of those TDs are from 20 yards or more. Auburn cornerback Chris Davis missed last week's game because of a leg/foot injury, and his status for Saturday's game is in doubt.

Bottom line

Auburn might not be ranked, but that doesn't diminish the importance of this game.

Auburn and LSU have combined to reach the SEC championship game nine times since 1992. Those teams went 9-0 in this matchup. It's safe to say you can't make it to Atlanta without winning here.

Miles is 4-0 against Auburn at home, and the last two matchups at Tiger Stadium haven't been close. Auburn's best bet is to avoid an early knockout punch and try to turn this into the ugly slugfest that typically is this rivalry's calling card. Auburn will be competitive, but it's difficult to picture LSU losing to an unranked team at home.